Billy Ray Cyrus Sends Special Birthday Message to Miley Cyrus Amid Rumored Rift

Billy Ray Cyrus publicly honored Miley Cyrus on her birthday amid ongoing family rumors.

On November 23, as Miley turned 32, the country singer shared a heartfelt birthday tribute. He posted nostalgic images of them together, starting with photos of him holding Miley during her early years.

"Happy Birthday Mile!!! Hope it’s the best one ever!" the 63-year-old captioned the Instagram post. He acknowledged, "(I know I dropped the 'y'. That’s what I called @mileycyrus most of her life.)"

In addition to cherished childhood photos, Billy Ray included press shots of them together at the 2009 premiere of Hannah Montana: The Movie in Munich. He also featured memories from the 2019 Glastonbury Festival and Miley’s 2021 concert special, Miley Cyrus Presents Stand By You.

Although Miley hasn't publicly addressed her father's tribute, she did express gratitude on her Instagram Stories, thanking everyone for the birthday wishes.

This post comes nearly nine months after speculation emerged regarding their relationship. Miley raised eyebrows when she did not mention her father during her acceptance speeches for her first two Grammys in February.

In June, Miley addressed the rumored rift during an appearance on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman. When David asked her if there was estrangement from her father, she replied, "There's not estrangement here with your father. It's just the way things are played."

Miley further remarked on her parents’ dedication, saying, "My parents served us and sacrificed so much for us. Anything we dreamed of, they made possible."

In a lighthearted moment on the show, she joked about "inheriting the narcissism" from her father. However, she also praised him significantly.

"My father, I'm grateful for first his genes," Miley stated. "My dad has great hair, and I got that." She highlighted his connection to nature and family, saying he guided her throughout her life.

Miley shared that Billy Ray provided a "map" for both success and pitfalls in her career.

In a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar, published on November 20, Miley reiterated her close working relationship with her father. "I worked with my dad forever," she explained. "That’s how me and my ex-husband met. I’ve always collaborated with people I love."